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Top reasons you can’t miss “Presence” at Sarasota Art Museum

World-Class photography exhibition travels to Sarasota

Presented by Sarasota Art Museum October 22, 2026

Irving Bennett Ellis (American, 1902–1977). “Louise Weinstein Ellis,” 1938. Gelatin silver print from a composite negative, 9 x 7 in. Portland Museum of Art, Maine. Promised Gift from the Judy Glickman Lauder Collection, 11.2006.7.

Image: Courtesy Photo

You don’t have to be a photographer or an artist to recognize a striking image. On view now at Sarasota Art Museum are over 100 iconic works by some of the most famous photographers of the 20th century. Together, these images, ranging from tender portraits to bustling cityscapes to landmark historic moments, are “certificates of presence,” or verification that a moment, a person, or a place existed. These images say, “We were here.”

These are our top five reasons why you don’t want to miss this world-class exhibition before SAM’s galleries rotate again.

From left to right: Gordon Parks (American, 1912–2006). “American Gothic (Portrait of Ella Watson), Washington, DC,” 1942. Gelatin silver print, 13 x 9 1/8 in. Portland Museum of Art, Maine. Promised Gift from the Judy Glickman Lauder Collection, 3.2016.8. © The Gordon Parks Foundation; Dorothea Lange (American, 1895–1965) “Migrant Mother (Florence Owens Thompson), Nipomo, California,” 1936. Gelatin silver print mounted on board, 13 1/4 x 10 1/8 in. Portland Museum of Art, Maine. Promised Gift from the Judy Glickman Lauder Collection, 7.1998.38; Steve Schapiro (American, 1934–2022). “Martin Luther King Jr., Selma, Alabama,” 1965. Gelatin silver print, 18 7/8 x 12 3/4 in. Portland Museum of Art, Maine. Promised Gift from the Judy Glickman Lauder Collection, 10.2010.8. © Steve Schapiro. Courtesy Monroe Gallery, Santa Fe, NM.

Image: Courtesy Photo

1. Iconic Masters, One Unforgettable Room

Stand face-to-face with legendary images from titans of the medium, including Gordon Parks, Dorothea Lange, Richard Avedon, Danny Lyon, Diane Arbus, Steve Schapiro and James Van Der Zee. “Presence: The Photography Collection of Judy Glickman Lauder” is an extraordinary and rare chance to experience these groundbreaking masterworks up close, all in one single exhibition.

Melonie Bennett (American, b. 1969). “Suzie, Bahama Beach Club, Portland, Maine,” 1969. Gelatin silver print, 16 x 20 in. Portland Museum of Art, Maine. Promised Gift from the Judy Glickman Lauder Collection, 25.2001.1. Courtesy of the artist.

Image: Courtesy Photo

2. A Collection Curated by a Photographer’s Soul

“Presence” isn’t a textbook historical survey. It’s a passionate love letter to the lens. Handpicked by photographer and philanthropist Judy Glickman Lauder, who spent years both in front of and behind the camera, every frame reflects an insider’s eye for raw intimacy, striking light and undeniable visual drama.

James Karales (American, 1930–2002). “Selma to Montgomery March, Alabama,” 1965. Gelatin silver print, 12 7/8 x 19 1/8 in. Portland Museum of Art, Maine. Promised Gift from the Judy Glickman Lauder Collection, 4.2015. © Estate of James Karales, Courtesy Howard Greenberg Gallery, New York.

Image: Courtesy Photo

3. Unfiltered Human Resilience

From the grit of the Great Depression to the thunderous march of the Civil Rights Movement, these images don’t just capture history–they pulse with human heart. Expect powerful, moving encounters with dignity, courage and triumph over hardship.

Mario Giacomelli (Italian, 1925–2000). “io non ho mani che mi accarezzino il volto” (“There Are No Hands to Caress My Face”), 1961-1963. Gelatin silver print, 11 7/8 x 15 7/8 in. Portland Museum of Art, Maine. Promised Gift from the Judy Glickman Lauder Collection, 6.2018.17. Courtesy Archivio Mario Giacomelli © Simone Giacomelli.

Image: Courtesy Photo

4. A Quiet Sanctuary for Mindful Wandering

Escape the daily noise and treat yourself to a peaceful, reflective stroll through the galleries at SAM. The soft lighting, spacious design and introspective nature of these contemplative images offer a tranquil space to slow down, catch your breath and linger over art that allows you to be fully present.

Todd Webb (American, 1905–2000). “Sixth Avenue between 43rd and 44th Streets, New York” (detail), 1948. 8 gelatin silver prints, 15 1/4 x 15 5/8 in. each. Portland Museum of Art, Maine. Promised Gift from the Judy Glickman Lauder Collection, 7.2015a-h. © Todd Webb Archive.

Image: Courtesy Photo

5. Something to Inspire Every Mind

Whether you’re a seasoned photography enthusiast studying technical craft, a history buff drawn to iconic moments, a devoted arts fan seeking inspiration, or simply a curious mind looking for a great afternoon, this collection offers something deeply engaging for everyone. 

“Presence: The Photography Collection of Judy Glickman Lauder” is on view at Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design October 18, 2026–April 4, 2027. Chances are, once you visit, you’ll want to return to explore more moving human moments in this traveling showcase. Learn more and plan your visit at SarasotaArtMuseum.org.

“Presence: The Photography Collection of Judy Glickman Lauder” is co-organized by the Portland Museum of Art, Maine, and the American Federation of Arts. This exhibition is generously supported by an anonymous donor with additional support by Ellen and Robert Grimes. AFA exhibitions are made possible by the generosity of Monique Schoen Warshaw. The exhibition is curated by Anjuli Lebowitz, Ph.D., Judy Glickman Lauder Curator of Photography, Portland Museum of Art, Maine.

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